GAMBIR: After being criticised by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in Parliament, Datuk Seri Najib Razak has clapped back, saying that the Pagoh MP was a failed prime minister in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and that was why there was a trust deficit on his leadership.

       "Muhyiddin failed when he was the prime minister and that was why many people lost confidence in him," Najib told reporters when met during a walkabout here on Tuesday (March 8) evening.

       Najib also criticised Muhyiddin over the Emergency Proclamation that lasted nearly eight months last year.

       "He (Muhyiddin) declared the longest lockdown in the world and he suspended Parliament.

       "Malaysia is the only country that suspended its Parliament and Constitution to fight Covid-19.

       "We all know that the Emergency wasn't to fight Covid-19. It was a political emergency to save himself," said Najib.

       Muhyiddin resigned last Aug 16 after 17 months as prime minister when 15 Umno MPs, led by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, retracted their support for the Perikatan Nasional-led government.

       Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was subsequently appointed as prime minister.

       On Monday (March 7), Muhyiddin reminded Najib in Parliament that the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) debts are guaranteed by the government and when 1MDB fails to repay its debts, it is the government that has to fork out money to service the debts.

       Muhyiddin pointed out that it was the task force under his tenure as premier that had successfully sought the return of 1MDB funds.

       "Imagine if Najib was still the prime minister, I don't think he would form this special task force to trace 1MDB money and assets that went missing because the one who caused the monies to go missing was him," said Muhyiddin on Monday (March 7).

       Meanwhile, commenting on his walkabout, Najib said he is confident that Barisan is slowly making inroads in Gambir, the state seat held by Muhyiddin for one term.

       The Johor leader did not seek re-election in the March 12 state polls.

       "Reception has been great and the competition is tight. But my answer will be the same, we must focus on our work," said Najib.

       He also said the "bossku" moniker is gaining traction in campaigning, and hoped that the support will be translated into votes for Barisan.

       "We must be serious in our work and not be complacent. We have a few more days to go," he added.

       Barisan is contesting all 56 seats in the state election.